By Patience Gondo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has directed for a State assisted funeral for the late Supreme Court Judge, Justice Felicia Chatukuta, (63) who died on November 22, this year.
In a statement on Wednesday Mnangagwa said he received news of her death with profound sadness describing Chatukuta as a devoted jurist whose four decades in the legal fraternity strengthened Zimbabwe’s justice delivery system.
She died due to cardiac arrest.
Chatukuta began her legal career soon after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Zimbabwe in 1985.
She first served as a Public Prosecutor before taking up part time lecturing at the same institution, contributing to the training of upcoming lawyers.
She later became director of the Legal Aid Directorate, a role that placed her at the centre of efforts to improve access to legal services for vulnerable citizens.
Her steady rise in the profession led to her appointment as a High Court Judge on August 29 2005.
She served on the High Court bench for 16 years, earning recognition for her work ethic, integrity and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
On June 3 2021, Chatukuta was elevated to the Supreme Court.
Mnangagwa said this promotion reflected her professionalism, legal expertise and the value of her contribution to the judiciary over the years.
Despite her senior positions, Mnangagwa said Chatukuta was known for humility and thoroughness in her work qualities he said should inspire the wider legal fraternity and the nation.
In honour of her service, Mnangagwa said she would receive a State-assisted funeral, a recognition reserved for citizens whose contributions are considered nationally significant.
He extended condolences to the Chatukuta family on behalf of Government, ZANU-PF and his own family, saying the nation stands with them during the loss.